Volvo Readies Dual Clutch Gearbox

Volvo’s used to be square and boxy, but the S80 broke that mold when it was launched in the late 90s. With the XC60 Concept, it breaks the mold again, giving the still recognizable Volvo DNA a sportier and sexier attitude.

The interest in alternative fuel cars seems to be gaining interest in Europe, and Volvo is gearing up for this demand. Already popular in the Sweden, its range of bi-fuel models will be available in Britain, Ireland, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and Norway. Volvo’s 2.0-litre bi-fuel engine is currently available on the new C30, S40 and V50 models, and one can top up with either normal petrol or E85, a blend consisting of 85% ethanol and 15% petrol. Both fuels make use of the same tank, while the engine’s injector valves, hoses and gaskets have been upgraded to withstand the more corrosive nature of ethanol. The ethanol itself is produced from biomass, which comes from agricultural produce such as corn, wheat, sugar-beet and cellulose. The emission from an engine that uses E85 is 80% lower in carbon dioxide compared to a petrol engine, and as it comes from a renewable source, the bi-fuel cars get a significant tax break as “green” vehicles. Volvo expects to produce 7,000 bi-fuel cars in 2007. Looking even further into the future, Volvo has developed a multi-fuel prototype that can run on five types of fuel! This car takes hythane (10% hydrogen and 90% methane), biomethane, natural gas (CNG), bioethanol E85 (85% bioethanol and 15% petrol) and petrol. This car has three tanks, one for petrol and E85, two tanks for the gaseous fuels hythane, biomethane and CNG. The tanks do not intrude into the luggage compartment, and the carrying capacity of the car remains unchanged. The performance of this turbocharged 2.0-litre 5-cylinder engine is impressive, putting out 200bhp and able to sprint from 0-100km/h in 8.7 seconds. http://www.volvocars.com/corporation/environment/Alternativefuels/AlternativeFuelsAndPowertrains.htm

Dongfeng Motor Group Company Limited (DFG), Nissan Motor and AB Volvo is now deepening discussions on a possible AB Volvo investment in the heavy and medium-duty commercial vehicle business currently included in the Chinese joint venture between DFG and Nissan Motor – Dongfeng Motor Co, Ltd (DFL).